DuNord Spirits, a black-owned Minneapolis craft distiller, was severely damaged Friday night as rioters set several fires inside the craft distiller’s warehouse, which is on the same block as the Third Precinct police station, which was destroyed.
Although the warehouse’s fire suppression system prevented the destruction of the building, more than 26,000 gallons of spirits were dumped over 4-1/2 hours of rioting.
Three separate GoFundMe accounts have been established to raise funds for the distillery. One, by the DuNord Family itself, is intended to help “black and brown companies affected by the riots.” The DuNords say their own losses will be covered by support they have received and an impending insurance claim. At the time this was written, this fund has raised more than $94,000 from 1,713 people.
Another, started by the American Craft Spirits Association, had raised $69,908 of a $75,000 goal. Just days before, Chris Montana, president, was distributing hand sanitizer, produced at DuNord, to first responders.
No surprise that the unrest resulting from the murder of George Floyd has affected liquor stores along with other retail businesses.
In Rochester, N.Y.. looters stole more than $20,000 of bev/al from the Fantauzzo Family-owned Euphoria Liquor Store on Main Street.
In West Englewood, Ill., near Chicago, a liquor store was set on fire.
In Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, Wild Duck Wine & Spirits stole liquor valued at $100,000 to $200,000. Sal DiGirolamo, owner, said he recognized some of the looters on security cameras as customers of the store.
In Washington, D.C., high-priced liquor, cartons of cigarettes and cash were stolen from the Savon Liquor store. The owner said it appeared to be common burglars taking advantage of police attention being focused on rioting in downtown Washington.
And, of course, there was extensive looting and damage in the Twin Cities, where the George Floyd murder occurred.